North Star News
March 6, 2026
Principal's Letter
Dear North Star Community,
North Star has a long and wonderful tradition of hosting an annual “Festival Of…” day, where our school community comes together to celebrate learning around a single academic theme. Over the years we’ve hosted Festivals of Science, Words, Numbers, and more. In the past, parents, community members, and staff generously designed and taught seminars connected to the theme. Scholars selected three sessions to attend, and the entire school spent the day immersed in joyful, curiosity-filled learning. It has always been a special tradition, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed their time, creativity, and energy to make these days possible.
Last year, Parent Club engaged in a thoughtful conversation about the future of Festival Of. We discussed the challenge of fitting so much into a single day, the growing difficulty of finding enough volunteers, and the incredible amount of planning required to create a customized schedule for every scholar. From those conversations came an exciting idea: what if we spread the learning out and created multiple opportunities throughout the year?
This year, we are thrilled to introduce a new format for our Festival of Art! Instead of one single day, our entire school will enjoy three different artistic learning experiences over the coming months.
Our first opportunity will take place next week when we welcome a local Lion Dance organization to campus. Scholars will learn about the art of dance through a presentation, performance, and question-and-answer session. Afterward, students will participate in a follow-up learning opportunity to deepen their understanding of this vibrant artistic tradition.
In April, we are honored to welcome acclaimed author Pam Muñoz Ryan, who will share with our scholars the art of storytelling. Her beloved novels, such as Esperanza Rising, Echo, and Riding Freedom, beautifully demonstrate how creativity and expression come to life through the written word. Her visit will give our students a powerful look at how art can take shape through stories.
We are still planning our third Festival of Art experience, and we would love our community’s input! We are exploring ideas such as a hands-on artistic workshop or a “museum-in-a-box” style experience. If you have suggestions, connections, or creative ideas, we would be delighted to hear them.
In true Festival Of fashion, we know that when our community comes together, something special happens. We can’t wait to see the inspiring artistic experiences that unfold for our scholars this year.
Sincerely,
Erin Kekos
Principal
FINAL WEEK TO BUY AUCTION TICKETS!!
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What: Live Auction
When: Saturday, March 21st | 6:00 pm
Where: The Alexandria, San Carlos
Cost: $175
Tickets are available until Thursday, March 12th. Don't miss out!
Interested in helping the night of? We are looking for volunteers that can help us with check in, spotting and selling beads. Let us know!
🔸Contact auctiondonations@nsaparents.com
ENJOY THE AUCTION, WE'LL TAKE THE KIDS
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What: Babysitting services offered during auction
When: March 21 | 6 to 11pm
Where: Red Morton Community Activities Building
Cost: $75 per child with a $25 discount for siblings*
- High School Girl Scout Troop #62356 is offering a fun, supervised evening for children in grades K–6 while parents attend the auction.
- Kids will enjoy dinner, crafts, movies, and cozy blanket forts!
- All sitters have earned their Babysitting badge and are First Aid and CPR certified.
- Several parents will also be on site.
*Sibling discount applies to siblings only (not friends). Thank you for understanding.
DADS CLUB MEETUP
When: Tuesday, March 10th | 7-9pm
Where: The Wild Rover | 2620 Broadway
What: Social hour at 7pm & group discussion at 8pm.
The Wild Rover has good food & drink, so come take a fun little break and catch up with other dads!
Current topics include science night plans (3/26!), any 3/3 SSC & 3/5 PTO discussion, poker party (5/2), etc.
🔸 Contact: Brian
NEW! BIKE BUS
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WHAT: Biking To/From School
WHEN: Wednesdays, Starting March 4th
WHERE: Northbound from Woodside to Sequoia HS
COST: Free
North Star parent Mike Spiegel is organizing a bike bus, northbound from Woodside High School to Sequoia High School. The route has stops near:
Kennedy • Hawes Park • Red Morton Park • Orion • North Star • McKinley
- Approximate morning arrival at Sequoia: 8:23 am
- Afternoon return ride departs North Star/McKinley around 3:10 pm
Route, timing, and stops are flexible and will be adjusted based on family feedback
Families interested in participating or sharing input are encouraged to connect
🔸 Contact: Mike
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
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Crazy Hat Day is on 3/27! Make sure to wear a silly hat!
Woodside High School Cheer & Dance Tryouts
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What: Dance Team Tryouts
When: Mon, April 20 | 4:00p
Where: WHS Dance Room (G-18)
Cost: Not specified (Registration required)
How: Register here
What: Varsity Cheerleading Clinic / Tryouts
When: Mon, March 30 - Thur, April 2 | 4:00 - 6:00p
Where: WHS Dance Room (G-18)
Cost: Not specified (Registration required)
How: Register here
2026 TEEN WELLNESS RETREAT
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What: Teen Wellness Retreat (Grades 6–12)
When: Sat, March 28 | 9:00a –2:00p
Where: San Carlos Adult Community Center
Cost: Free
The Cities of Belmont and San Carlos invite middle and high school students to a full-day Teen Wellness Retreat focused on mental health and well-being. The day includes workshops, self-care activities, breakfast, lunch, boba, swag bags, and more. A parent/guardian workshop on validating emotions will also be offered. All youth are welcome.
🔸Register at cityofsancarlos.org/register
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